Hawaiian Grilled Teriyaki Chicken

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Bring the flavors of Hawaii to your kitchen with this delicious Hawaiian Grilled Teriyaki Chicken recipe. The combination of soy sauce, brown sugar, and pineapple juice creates a sweet and savory marinade that transforms boneless, skinless chicken thighs into a mouthwatering meal. Perfect for a summer barbecue or a cozy dinner at home, this recipe is sure to impress.

Ingredients:

To make this flavorful Hawaiian Grilled Teriyaki Chicken, you’ll need the following ingredients:

  • 1 1/2 lbs chicken thighs, boneless and skinless
  • 1 cup soy sauce
  • 1 cup brown sugar, packed
  • 1 cup pineapple juice
  • 4 cloves garlic, chopped
  • 1 tbsp fresh ginger, minced

Instructions:

Follow these steps to prepare the perfect Hawaiian Grilled Teriyaki Chicken:

  1. Prepare the Chicken: Place chicken thighs in a bowl or gallon-sized Ziploc bag and set aside.
  2. Make the Marinade: In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the soy sauce, brown sugar, pineapple juice, chopped garlic, and minced ginger. Mix until the sugar dissolves.
  3. Marinate the Chicken: Pour the marinade over the chicken. Press the air out of the bag and seal tightly, or cover the bowl as air-tight as possible. Refrigerate overnight, or for at least 4 hours.
  4. Heat the Marinade: Remove the chicken from the bag and set aside. Do NOT discard the marinade. In a medium saucepan, bring the marinade to a simmer and let it simmer for 5-10 minutes.
  5. Grill the Chicken: Place the chicken on the grill and brush some of the hot marinade over the top. Be careful not to place the brush back in the marinade after brushing the chicken. Continue to grill the chicken until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
  6. Serve: Place the cooked chicken in a baking dish and pour the remaining hot teriyaki marinade over the top. Serve immediately.

Serving and Storage Tips:

Serving Tips

  1. Side Dishes: Pair the Hawaiian Grilled Teriyaki Chicken with steamed white or jasmine rice, grilled pineapple slices, and a fresh green salad to create a balanced and delicious meal.
  2. Garnish: Garnish the chicken with chopped green onions and sesame seeds to add a touch of color and extra flavor.
  3. Sauce: Serve with extra teriyaki sauce on the side for dipping or drizzling over the chicken and rice.
  4. Tacos: Use the grilled chicken to make Hawaiian-inspired tacos with coleslaw, pineapple salsa, and a drizzle of teriyaki sauce.
  5. Sandwiches: Make a Hawaiian chicken sandwich by placing the grilled chicken on a bun with lettuce, tomato, and a slice of grilled pineapple.

Storage Tips

  1. Refrigeration: Store any leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  2. Freezing: For longer storage, place the cooled chicken in a freezer-safe container or bag and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
  3. Reheating: Reheat the chicken in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, about 10-15 minutes. Alternatively, reheat in a skillet over medium heat until hot.
  4. Leftover Marinade: If you have leftover marinade that hasn’t been used for brushing the chicken, you can store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. Use it as a sauce for rice or vegetables.

Enjoy your Hawaiian Grilled Teriyaki Chicken with these serving and storage tips to make the most of this delicious dish!

Variations:

  1. Pineapple Jalapeño Teriyaki Chicken: Add finely chopped jalapeños to the marinade for a spicy kick. Serve with grilled pineapple slices for extra sweetness.
  2. Citrus Teriyaki Chicken: Replace pineapple juice with orange juice and add zest of one orange to the marinade. Grill as usual and serve with orange wedges.
  3. Honey Sriracha Teriyaki Chicken: Mix in sriracha sauce and honey to the marinade for a sweet and spicy flavor. Serve with a squeeze of lime juice.
  4. Coconut Teriyaki Chicken: Substitute half of the pineapple juice with coconut milk and add shredded coconut to the marinade. Garnish with toasted coconut flakes before serving.
  5. Sesame Ginger Teriyaki Chicken: Add sesame oil, grated ginger, and sesame seeds to the marinade. Serve with steamed broccoli and rice noodles.
  6. Teriyaki Chicken Skewers: Cut chicken thighs into cubes and thread onto skewers. Grill as directed and serve as skewers with teriyaki glaze.
  7. Teriyaki Chicken Bowls: Slice grilled teriyaki chicken and serve over a bowl of steamed rice with sautéed vegetables and a drizzle of teriyaki sauce.
  8. Teriyaki Chicken Lettuce Wraps: Use grilled teriyaki chicken as a filling for lettuce wraps. Add shredded carrots, cucumber slices, and a drizzle of teriyaki sauce.
  9. Teriyaki Chicken Tacos: Shred grilled teriyaki chicken and serve in taco shells with shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, avocado slices, and a squeeze of lime juice.
  10. Teriyaki Chicken Stir-Fry: Slice grilled teriyaki chicken and stir-fry with bell peppers, snap peas, and broccoli in a teriyaki sauce. Serve over noodles or rice.

These variations offer diverse flavors and presentations to keep your Hawaiian Grilled Teriyaki Chicken meals exciting and delicious. Enjoy experimenting with these ideas!

 FAQs:

  1. Can I use chicken breasts instead of chicken thighs for this recipe?
    • Yes, you can substitute chicken breasts for chicken thighs. Adjust grilling time as needed to ensure chicken breasts reach an internal temperature of 165°F.
  2. How long should I marinate the chicken for best results?
    • Marinate the chicken for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to fully penetrate the meat.
  3. Can I grill the chicken indoors if I don’t have an outdoor grill?
    • Yes, you can use a grill pan or a countertop electric grill to cook the chicken indoors. Follow the same grilling instructions provided in the recipe.
  4. What can I substitute for pineapple juice in the marinade?
    • You can use orange juice or a combination of orange juice and a splash of lime juice for a citrusy twist.
  5. Is there a way to reduce the sodium content of the marinade?
    • Use low-sodium soy sauce or tamari in place of regular soy sauce to reduce the sodium content.
  6. Can I prepare the marinade ahead of time and store it?
    • Yes, you can prepare the marinade ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to a week.
  7. Do I need to boil the leftover marinade before using it as a sauce?
    • Yes, it’s important to bring the leftover marinade to a boil and simmer it for at least 5-10 minutes to ensure it is safe to use as a sauce after being in contact with raw chicken.
  8. How do I know when the chicken is done grilling?
    • Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature of the chicken has reached 165°F. Alternatively, cut into the thickest part of the chicken to ensure it is no longer pink and the juices run clear.
  9. Can I use this teriyaki marinade for other meats or vegetables?
    • Yes, you can use this teriyaki marinade for pork, beef, shrimp, tofu, or a variety of vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, and mushrooms.
  10. What sides go well with Hawaiian Grilled Teriyaki Chicken?
    • Serve the chicken with steamed rice, grilled vegetables, coleslaw, or a side salad. Pineapple slices and fresh herbs like cilantro or green onions make great garnishes.

These FAQs provide essential information to help you successfully prepare and enjoy Hawaiian Grilled Teriyaki Chicken. Experiment with flavors and enjoy this tropical dish with family and friends!

Indulge in the flavors of the tropics with Hawaiian Grilled Teriyaki Chicken. This recipe offers a perfect blend of sweet pineapple juice, savory soy sauce, and aromatic garlic and ginger, creating tender and flavorful chicken thighs. Whether grilled outdoors or indoors, this dish promises to be a hit at any gathering or family dinner. Serve it with your favorite sides and enjoy a taste of Hawaii from the comfort of your home.